Twenty-two years have passed since The Almanac initiated its all-sports banquet and a plethora of scholastic sports standouts have been recognized for their achievements in athletic arena.

“The Almanac’s Premier Performers sports banquet is a long-standing tradition in the area, and we are proud to continue honoring our schools’ top athletes,” said Katie Green, Almanac Editor. “We are excited to see who the next generation of stand out athletes from the area will be.”

Who they will be depends on the selection process. However, an athlete cannot be considered unless nominated first.

A nominee need not be a senior or a participant in more than one sport. However, the candidate must be a student in good academic standing and have distinguished himself/herself as a role model in and outside of the athletic arena.

Once the nomination process closes, a selection committee will cull the list down to the top 10 male and female finalists. They will be announced in upcoming additions of The Almanac.

Additionally, the search is also on for area athletes, who have decided to dedicate their careers to service to the country. These athletes, who will attend one of the military academies, attend college via an ROTC program or enlist in the service immediately upon graduation, are eligible for the Waldie/Shaeffer Scholarship Award.

All the athlete of the year finalists, as well as Waldie/Shaeffer candidates, along with the Most Valuable Players from each WPIAL-related sport will be honored at the 23rd Premier Performers All Sports Banquet set for May 19 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located on Fort Couch Road in Bethel Park.

Tickets for the event are $30. For reservations, call 724-941-7725 ext. 129.